BUFFALO, N.Y. — One of the questions raised after ADM successfully demolished the historic Great Northern Elevator in May 2023 was 'what happens next?'
In the latest Buffalo Planning Board agenda, the answer to that question has been revealed.
On October 21 the planning board will consider whether or not to approve a 350,000sq/ft parking lot being proposed for the site by ADM.
Plans call for a lot big enough for 90 vehicles, a truck entrance and loading dock.
According to the filing, ADM said the project will cost $1.5M.
"We're upset, but not surprised?" Executive Director at Preservation Buffalo Niagara Bernice Radle said. "As you know that, we see our historic buildings torn down for parking lots a lot of the time."
The preservation community fought hard to save the Great Northern Elevator, which was first built in 1897, but ultimately the courts decided its fate.
"Obviously the preservation community is not thrilled about this parking lot being submitted where the original old Great Northern one stood," Radle said.
Aside from wanting the building saved, Radle said that this is another example of the city losing out on another taxable property in favor of a parking lot.
"We know that when a historic building is torn down, it is likely to either become a very subsidized new construction project or a parking lot," Radle said. " Those are the trends. If [Great Northern Elevator] was renovated, that would be a tax paying thin, bringing 1000's and 1000's of dollars of tax revenue into the city of Buffalo, and now it's torn down as a parking lot."
Radle is hopeful that a new administration at city hall will welcome conversations with the preservation community, so that buildings that might be in jeopardy can be saved in a more collaborative way.
Soon-to-be acting Mayor Chris Scanlon said he welcomes future conversations.
"When I first started on the council the preservation, the idea of it, didn't hit home with me as much as it does now. During my 12 years on the council, I've really done a 180 on it, and I think it's exceptionally important to have those conversations with the preservation community about the history of the city of Buffalo," Scanlon said.
"I hope that they know that I'm open to those conversations at any time, and I look forward to them, because one thing I'm going to stress is open lines of communication to the public, to different agencies outside the building, and just having a collaborative effort on everything we're doing here in the city."